“When I called them and told them that I had some high school, some young creatives in Chicago that needed to be around vocalists, actors, singers, dancers… and that they needed to be in this space and all these guys, without getting any money from me or anything, hopped on a flight and came out here to be in front of you guys,” Chance told the audience in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at the Harold Washington Library Center.

Dave Chappelle entertained the crowd telling a few jokes and even fielding some questions from the teens.

The “Open Mike” event celebrates the legacy of the late poet “Brother” Mike Hawkins. These sessions are done to connect creative youth with industry professionals and tastemakers. Students must have a high school ID to attend. Previous guest include the likes of Chicago natives Kanye West and Vic Mensa.